Medical Physiology with Research Methods

Course Content:

The module aims to develop the scientific and research skills that were introduced at
level 4, and to relate applications of these skills to study and research in physiology.
Research methods and employability skills are taught within the context of physiology,
biomedical and associated employment opportunities.

Autumn Semester content summary: physiology; research skills & statistics

Spring Semester content summary: practicals on cardiovascular and sensory
physiology; literature reviews, statistics.

Topics covered may include:
? Research Methods: further statistics, experimental design & SPSS; use of
research literature; scientific communication and presentation; ethical issues
? Employment skills: career options; investigation of business industry; selfreflection;
teamwork/project management
? Medical Psychology:
? Cardiovascular physiology: techniques used to assess cardiovascular
function, cardiac arrhythmias, factors affecting cardiac output in health and
disease, the nature of vascular smooth muscle. Intrinsic and extrinsic control
of arteriolar tone, specialised circulations, hypertension, central control of
blood pressure, integrated cardiovascular responses in health and disease.
? Respiratory physiology: physical principles of gas exchange, ventilation &
alveolar pressure changes, effects of blood pCO2 & pH on ventilation,
loading & unloading reactions, physical principles of gas exchange, factors
that affect the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve.
? Renal and Acid/Base physiology: Body fluids haemodynamics, shifts of body
water and body fluids, Regulation of sodium and water balance:
preservation of the volume/pressure reservoir required for tissue perfusion,
anion gap & base deficit, challenges to salt & water homeostasis, electrolyte
balance, Acid ? base homeostasis, buffer systems.
? Neurophysiology: Motor control and motor neurons, control of motor
function by the brain; maintenance of posture and balance. Selected
examples of pathology of motor control.
? Endocrine physiology: the concept of homeostasis and ageing, concepts
related to control of hormone secretion, specificity of hormone action,
concepts related to target cells responsiveness and integration, regulation of
metabolism, energy balance and body temperature regulation,
endocrinology of pregnancy, the anterior & posterior pituitary gland, and
endocrine pancreas.
? Reproductive physiology: Sex determination and differentiation;
gametogenesis; hormonal control of reproductive function. The chronology
of reproductive function. Female reproductive physiology; puberty, the
menstrual cycle and the menopause; pregnancy, parturition and lactation.
Male reproductive physiology; puberty, spermatogenesis and endocrine
functioning of the testes. Selected examples of reproductive system
abnormalities.
? Gastrointestinal physiology: regulation of gastrointestinal function, motility
(mass movement), secretion, internal electrolyte & water transport, gut
microflora, examples of GI diseases (e.g., gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
(GORD), pancreatitis, gastric & pyloric ulcers and cancers).

Teaching: Lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practical sessions

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Exam (50%)
? Practical: Group oral presentation (20%)
? Coursework: Critical review (30%)
STUDY OPTION 2:
? Group presentation
? Physiology exam-type questions
STUDY OPTION 3:
? 2 practicals
? 1 literature review
? 1 statistics test

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer